How much eggplant for your cat?
Most guides say "a few pieces". Enter your cat's weight and get the actual daily ceiling, worked out from eggplant's calories and the 10%-of-daily-calories treat rule vets use.
Assumes a healthy, neutered adult at a stable weight, and that this is their only treat that day. Puppies, pregnant, very active or unwell pets need different amounts — ask your vet.
Why this verdict for cats
Eggplant is a nightshade and offers cats little. Small cooked amounts only, if at all.
Eggplant — aubergine — is a nightshade, which is where its reputation for being risky comes from. In practice, plain cooked eggplant is safe for most dogs, with a couple of genuine exceptions worth knowing.
How much is safe?
A small piece of plain cooked eggplant occasionally. It contains solanine, the nightshade compound, but in amounts far lower than the green parts of potato or tomato plants, and cooking reduces it further. The exceptions matter though: dogs with kidney problems should avoid it because it contains oxalates, and eggplant is a relatively common food allergen in dogs.
What happens if a cat eats too much?
Stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea. In a dog that is sensitive to it, expect itching, facial swelling or rash — facial swelling means a vet call. The leaves and stems of the plant contain much more solanine and should be treated as toxic.
How to serve it safely
Peel it, cut it into small pieces, and bake or steam it plain — no oil, no salt, no seasoning. Introduce a little the first time and watch for a reaction over the next day. Never fried, breaded, or as part of a dish like parmigiana.
🍽️ Feeding it safely?
Frequently asked questions
Is eggplant toxic because it's a nightshade?
Not at the amounts in the ripe fruit. Solanine concentrates in the leaves, stems and unripe parts of nightshade plants. A cooked piece of the vegetable is a very different thing from the plant.
My dog got itchy after eating it — coincidence?
Possibly not. Eggplant is among the more commonly reported food allergens in dogs. Stop offering it and mention it to your vet, especially if there is any facial swelling.
More vegetables for cats
By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · Last updated July 31, 2026.
Sources
- ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- American Kennel Club — Dog Nutrition
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poison List